Perkins returns to Celtics’ lineup in win over Cavaliers

Playing for the first time since suffering a severe right knee injury in Game 6 of the NBA Finals last June, Kendrick Perkins gets seven points, six rebounds and three assists in just over 17 minutes. The Celtics scored a 112-95 victory over the Cavaliers, who have lost 18 straight games.

By Jim Fenton

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

By Jim Fenton

Posted Jan. 26, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 26, 2011 at 6:24 AM

By Jim Fenton

Posted Jan. 26, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 26, 2011 at 6:24 AM

BOSTON

» Social News

The time limit on his first game in seven months had been reached, and it was time for Kendrick Perkins to call it a night.

The Boston Celtics’ center had played just over 17 minutes in his surprising 2010-11 season debut on Tuesday night, and coach Doc Rivers sent Luke Harangody in to sub for Perkins early in the fourth quarter.

Only Perkins, who had not played since suffering a severe right knee injury in Game 6 of the NBA Finals last June 15, tried to hide near the Cleveland Cavaliers bench in an attempt to stay on the floor a little bit longer.

“I was (trying to hide),’’ said Perkins. “I think (being) 6-10, 275, I’m too big to hide. I did turn my back. I told Baby (Glen Davis) to raise his hand and tell Doc he needed a blow.’’

The time limit was up, though, and Perkins, who wasn’t supposed to return to the Celtics’ active roster until the end of next week, had to take a seat on the bench.

He did so after taking a positive first step on the comeback trail, getting seven points, six rebounds and three assists as the Celtics had little trouble handing the pitiful Cleveland Cavaliers their 18th straight loss, 112-95.

Perkins had set the Feb. 4 home game against the Dallas Mavericks as his target date to return, but after an encouraging practice session on Monday afternoon, he received clearance from the Celtics’ medical staff to face the Cavaliers.

After missing Game 7 against the Los Angeles Lakers, undergoing surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament on July 12 and going through long months of rehab, Perkins was finally ready to go.

So excited was Perkins that he went to the gym in Waltham at 10 p.m. on Monday night and stayed until 1 a.m., then couldn’t sleep when he returned home, resulting in a stiff neck from some long hours on the couch.

“I couldn’t wait,’’ he said. “I was up all day.’’

Perkins, whose minutes will be kept in the 16-18 range for the next couple of weeks, made the most of his first playing time since late last spring.

Rivers used him in three stints, the longest covering 7:34 from late in the third quarter until early in the fourth quarter. Perkins, who has trimmed his body, looked sharp for someone coming off a long layoff, though there is obvious rust that still needs to be taken care of.

“I surprised myself on a few plays today, just finishing and a couple of rebounds,’’ said Perkins, who missed 43 games and is wearing a bulky brace. “It felt good, but I know I can do better. I can do more. I was mad at myself that I didn’t block any shots.

Page 2 of 2 - “I was just wondering how long that I could go. I didn’t know how my wind was going to be. Other than that, I was cool. When he came and got me in the fourth, I really wanted to stay out there to keep working on my rhythm and get as much game time as I could.’’

Rivers is determined to closely watch Perkins’ minutes for the next several games, even if the Celtics are in need of help at the center spot.

“It’s going to be hard from Doc’s end,’’ joked Perkins. “Me and Doc might have to fight over that. If I’m feeling all right, I might tell him to leave me in. He’s just looking out for me. Whatever they say goes. I’ll just try to build up and use these two weeks to get in the best game shape and just go from there.’’

Perkins spent time with the regular starting lineup after Semih Erden picked up two quick fouls to open the game, reuniting a group that has been together since the fall of 2007.

It was a preview of coming attractions as Perkins joins Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, just like old times.

“I thought he was terrific,’’ said Rivers. “I thought as the game went on, his timing got better. I thought defensively, he was terrific from the start, just the communication. We were loud again defensively, which was nice. You could hear him and Kevin barking orders defensively and that makes us really good.’’

What was also loud was the standing ovation the TD Garden crowd greeted Perkins when he entered the game with 8:02 to go in the first quarter.

“That felt good,’’ said Perkins. “That felt real good, to be honest. I was trying not to be too emotional, trying to stay focused. They showed a lot of love.’’

Said Rivers: “That was awesome. There are people in the crowd that work hard every day, blue collar, and Perk identifies with all those people. If you are a guy that works 9-5, you’ve got to love Perk because that’s who he is.’’